Thursday, June 22, 2017

Amanda & Jon | Cedar Springs Pavilion Wedding


If you're a wedding photographer and you meet a potential client who is a graphic designer who created a custom wedding logo and meticulously planned details and hired vendors months in advance, jump on it.  Amanda is uber organized.  In fact, if you've stumbled on this blog and happen to need a smart lady to organize any aspect of your company (or your life), you should hire her.  She blew me away during the engagement session with hubby Jon when she produced a custom designed book cover that cleverly told their "story".  If they have kids - and I'm not inferring anything by that (seriously, six kids or no kids, you're still a family!), but if they did, I suspect Amanda would be that mom who creates the most darling first birthday party that leaves you feeling both awed and slightly annoyed at how awesome she is at hosting parties.  By kid number three, I'm just pinning a bunch of cute theme ideas on an inspiration board and serving pizza and chips on mismatched paper plates.  

While this wedding was darling and all the details were Pinterest worthy, I think the best part was excitement and laughter.  It just felt festive.  The day was warm, the first sign of summer just around the corner, and the rain held off and the vibe was light-hearted and friendly.





Pinned Up Salon is always on point.  I love this soft and elegant braided up-do!  





These gorgeous lace shoes by Pardox London Pink are the perfect "something blue".

















To quote my daughter, "wow, she has a great smile and she looks so pretty!"









Jon is a casual, sort of reserved kind of guy.  He's very thoughtful and considers his words carefully, so you find yourself really listening to what he has to say, especially with those intense blue eyes.  He cut quite the dashing figure in that tuxedo from Folchi's.







Jon and Amanda managed to sneak in a little conversation right before the ceremony, but they maintained the tradition of not seeing each other before the ceremony.































































Amanda's dad is one of those strong, silent types.  I think he's probably the kind of stoic guy who could lose the tip of his finger in a saw and say, "Well, honey, I think I'll just run to town to see about this.  Can you save my supper?"

And here he is looking all melt-y with pure adoration for his girl.










Every wedding reception...


needs these two dancing fools.






Amanda & Jon, it was an absolute pleasure getting to know you both and being a part of your day.  My job is to document your love story, but everyone (both of you, your parents, wedding party, family...) was so inclusive that I was laughing and smiling and tearing up too.  I hope that these images bring you back to that day and stir your emotions.  xoxo, Val



VENDORS:
Valerie Hawkins Photography
Cedar Springs Pavilion
Pinned Up LTD
Floral V 
Party Pleasers with DJ Corey
Frosted Cakery
Lillian's Bridal
Crystal Avenues, LLC Jewelry
Paradox London Pink Shoes
The Garter Girl by Julianne Smith